What to Buy for a Charity Walk

A charity walk needs more than water and good intentions. You will need supplies for registration, route marking, participant safety, refreshments and the finish area. Plan quantities from your expected participant count, then add a small buffer for volunteers and late arrivals. Check power, lighting and weather protection before shopping: extension cords, coolers, tents and emergency equipment are easy to overlook and difficult to replace on the day.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 24
Tableclothsqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Portable speaker
Wireless microphone

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Route and safety

Route arrowsqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 6
Traffic conesqty 12
Reflective vestsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 8
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Power banksqty 4

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 150
Wristbandsqty 150
Medal ribbonsqty 120
Stopwatchesqty 4
Clipboardsqty 6
Pensqty 30
Pedometersqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Thermos flasksqty 6
Pouring jugsqty 8

Catering

Ice packsqty 16
Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon - 10 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Teaspoons - 150 pieces
- Mini water bottles - 180 pieces
- Bananas - 120 pieces
- Apples - 120 pieces
- Grapes - 8 trays
- Mandarins - 100 pieces
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Currant buns - 120 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Halal chicken breast - 1 kilogram
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 6 boxes
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Honey - 2 jars
- Pepper - 1 can
- Salt - 1 tin
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Sandwich bags - 2 boxes
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Large trash bags - 20 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 10 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 4 boxes
- Bandages - 8 rolls
- Disinfectant - 4 bottles
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Cold compresses - 12 pieces
- Tweezers - 2 pieces
- Paracetamol - 2 boxes
- AA batteries - 16 pieces
- AAA batteries - 16 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Coffee creamer cups - 200 pieces
- Paper straws - 150 pieces
- Serving trays - 8 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 200 pieces
- Label stickers - 4 sheets
- Allergen cards - 30 pieces
- Paper plate bags - 4 packs

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Start sign
Finish sign
Information boardsqty 4
Table décorqty 6

Administration

Registration formsqty 150
Route mapsqty 150
Donation boxesqty 3
Cash boxesqty 2
Coupon bookletsqty 3
Tapeqty 8
Markersqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Tips

Plan 1 litre of drinking water per participant for a short walk, plus another 250–500 ml per volunteer. Add extra cups or bottles for the finish area, where people often drink more than expected.
Buy one bib number and wristband per registered participant, then add 5–10% spares. Keep the numbers, pens, clipboards and printed participant list together at registration so check-in does not stall.
Use route arrows at every turn and place extra signs before crossings or confusing junctions. Pack barrier tape, traffic cones and reflective vests for volunteers managing roads or separating walkers from vehicles.
Prepare one first aid kit for the start/finish area and carry an additional kit with the route team. Include emergency blankets and at least one charged power bank; both are commonly forgotten until someone needs them.
If the event uses coffee machines, kettles, lamps or a speaker, count the available sockets before buying or borrowing equipment. Bring extension cords and power strips, and test everything at least one day before the walk.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for a charity walk?: For a short walk, allow about 1 litre per participant, plus 250–500 ml per volunteer. Add a 10% buffer and provide more if the route is long, warm or has no refill point.
How many charity walk bib numbers and wristbands should I buy?: Buy one of each for every registered participant, then add 5–10% spares. For 100 participants, that means 105–110 bib numbers and wristbands.
What safety equipment is needed for a charity walk?: Pack route arrows, barrier tape, traffic cones, reflective vests, flashlights, first aid kits, emergency blankets, walkie-talkies and power banks. Check the route at least one day before the event and place the equipment with the volunteers who need it.
When should I buy supplies for a charity walk?: Buy non-perishable items 1–2 weeks before the walk. Get chilled drinks and other fresh supplies 1–2 days beforehand, and test powered equipment and prepare route materials no later than the day before.

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